AFTER years of struggling in the music industry, gospel singer Solly Mahlangu is now on a roll.
AFTER years of struggling in the music industry, gospel singer Solly Mahlangu is now on a roll.
If he is not, how then do you explain his recent success?
Mahlangu, who was born in Thembisa on the East Rand, has been in the industry for 20 years but it is only now that things are happening for him.
He won the Best Gospel Song award at the 2009 SABC Gospel Crown Awards in Durban recently.
More than that, his live album and DVD Obrigado, is selling like hot cakes in winter.
The DVD has sold about 15000 copies, while the album has achieved gold status for selling more than 20000 units.
Sharing his secret of success Mahlangu, who is also a pastor by calling, says: "I believe I came up with something fresh and different in gospel music. South Africa was waiting for something like this."
He says he has produced a unique sound because he tried to interpret the tradition and culture of African people in a different way.
Though for many years he did not release any albums, he says he continued to sing and tour the continent.
"I never stopped singing and composing fresh songs. I even released an album overseas and in 1999 I tried at home but that failed," he said.
"My philosophy is that you are better ready and having no opportunity than to have an opportunity and not be ready."
Since he released his album, Mahlangu says he has been invited to perform in various places.
"I am performing every weekend. I am happy that perseverance has finally paid off."
Mahlangu swings on gospel charts
AFTER years of struggling in the music industry, gospel singer Solly Mahlangu is now on a roll.
AFTER years of struggling in the music industry, gospel singer Solly Mahlangu is now on a roll.
If he is not, how then do you explain his recent success?
Mahlangu, who was born in Thembisa on the East Rand, has been in the industry for 20 years but it is only now that things are happening for him.
He won the Best Gospel Song award at the 2009 SABC Gospel Crown Awards in Durban recently.
More than that, his live album and DVD Obrigado, is selling like hot cakes in winter.
The DVD has sold about 15000 copies, while the album has achieved gold status for selling more than 20000 units.
Sharing his secret of success Mahlangu, who is also a pastor by calling, says: "I believe I came up with something fresh and different in gospel music. South Africa was waiting for something like this."
He says he has produced a unique sound because he tried to interpret the tradition and culture of African people in a different way.
Though for many years he did not release any albums, he says he continued to sing and tour the continent.
"I never stopped singing and composing fresh songs. I even released an album overseas and in 1999 I tried at home but that failed," he said.
"My philosophy is that you are better ready and having no opportunity than to have an opportunity and not be ready."
Since he released his album, Mahlangu says he has been invited to perform in various places.
"I am performing every weekend. I am happy that perseverance has finally paid off."
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